Pakistan Christian school stormed in Charlie Hebdo protest

Protests against satirical French weekly newspaper Charlie Hebdo in Lahore. A Christian school was attacked in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Reuters

A Christian school in Pakistan has been stormed by hundreds of students protesting against the Charlie Hebdo magazine, which published an image of the prophet Mohammed on its front page following the attack which claimed 12 lives.

Four people were injured when around 300 student protesters, some of them reportedly carrying guns, forced their way into the Panel High School for Boys in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

The intruders vandalised the school and demanded its closure. However, it is to re-open following discussions with police and the provincial governor.

article,article,article,article,article Related

The Charlie Hebdo caricatures triggered massive protests in Pakistan, with up to 30,000 marching in Karachi earlier this week and a large demonstration in Lahore. 

Nasir Saeed, director of Pakistani human rights organisation CLAAS-UK, said: "It is very sad because Pakistani Christians are equally angry about Charlie Hebdo, and many Christians have been participating in the protests against the magazine.

"It is very unfortunate that even after 67 years Christians are not considered Pakistani citizens but they are considered allies of the west and therefore whenever such incidents happen in western countries Christians come under attack.

"Their churches are attacked and their properties are set on fire, and such incidents make Christians, who are already living under constant fear for their lives, become more vulnerable."

He concluded: "It is the responsibility of the politicians and the government to create such an environment where Christians and religious minorities feel safe and secure."

related articles
Pakistan: Return to school for Peshawar children brings fresh waves of grief for parents
Pakistan: Return to school for Peshawar children brings fresh waves of grief for parents

Pakistan: Return to school for Peshawar children brings fresh waves of grief for parents

Pakistan must stop supporting militants, says Kerry
Pakistan must stop supporting militants, says Kerry

Pakistan must stop supporting militants, says Kerry

French President defends freedom of speech after anti-Hebdo clashes abroad
French President defends freedom of speech after anti-Hebdo clashes abroad

French President defends freedom of speech after anti-Hebdo clashes abroad

Pakistan: Christians join Muslims in protests against Charlie Hebdo
Pakistan: Christians join Muslims in protests against Charlie Hebdo

Pakistan: Christians join Muslims in protests against Charlie Hebdo

Pakistan: Homes of 13 Christian families demolished after they refuse to be bonded labourers
Pakistan: Homes of 13 Christian families demolished after they refuse to be bonded labourers

Pakistan: Homes of 13 Christian families demolished after they refuse to be bonded labourers

News
How going to prison for a crime I didn’t commit changed my life – for the better
How going to prison for a crime I didn’t commit changed my life – for the better

In 2008, Wilson Femayi was wrongly convicted and sent to prison for a crime he didn’t commit. He had just graduated from Bible college. His arrest — the result of a personal vendetta — was a devastating moment. But even in that dark place, God was at work. Today, Wilson is the Executive Director of Prison Fellowship Zimbabwe, leading programmes that are restoring prisoners and reuniting families across the country.

Christians in Africa face worsening violence, report finds
Christians in Africa face worsening violence, report finds

A new report from International Christian Concern (ICC) has revealed a disturbing rise in violence against Christians across parts of Africa, with Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and Kenya experiencing a surge in attacks, abductions, massacres and forced displacements.

Peace in turbulent times: 12 Bible verses to anchor your soul
Peace in turbulent times: 12 Bible verses to anchor your soul

It's easy to feel overwhelmed, helpless, or even afraid when the world seems to spin out of control. But as believers in Christ, we are not left to face these storms alone.

Nicaragua crackdown on Christianity deepens amid political power grab
Nicaragua crackdown on Christianity deepens amid political power grab

A new policy brief released by Open Doors has exposed as a systematic campaign of repression against Christian communities in Nicaragua.